North Korean diplomat Jon Yong-ryong told the UN: "As the saying goes, a new-born puppy knows no fear of a tiger. South Korea's erratic behavior would only herald its final destruction."

The diplomat also stressed that Pyongyang had recently taken a "resolute step for self-defence" that Jon described as "strong counter-actions to a foreign aggressor," Reuters reported.

Without directly referring to the country's recent nuclear testing, Jon added: "If the US takes a hostile approach toward the DPRK to the last, rendering the situation complicated, it [North Korea] will be left with no option but to take the second and third stronger steps in succession."

The comments were quickly condemned by ambassadors from other countries at the meeting on disarmament.

US Disarmament Ambassador Laura Kennedy criticised the language of the statement and how it was in direct contradiction to the "goals and objectives" of the conference.

She said: "I also was particularly struck by the phrase 'heralding the destruction of the Republic of Korea' and find that language incredibly inconsistent with the goals and objectives that this body is intended to pursue."

The Ambassador for Britain, Joanna Adamson, described the comments from North Korea as "completely inappropriate", adding: "It cannot be allowed that we have expressions which refer to the possible destruction of UN member states."